Benefits of Eating Raw Garlic

Garlic is a widely used cooking ingredient that adds a flavor to food and benefits our health. It has been used since ancient days as a quick relief remedy and is still being used. Generally, it is consumed after roasting, sautéing, or baking but surprisingly there are several benefits of eating raw garlic. Questions like Is raw garlic safe to consume? Do they have any side effects? What are the benefits of eating raw garlic? and so on, are always circulated around.

In this article, you will get answers to these questions. Read further to know why you should include raw garlic in your diet and what can be its potential side effects.

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Benefits of eating raw garlic

There is a substance called allicin in garlic that produces the taste and smell. This compound is also beneficial for health. According to the research, allicin is helpful in giving protection against some medical conditions like cancer and heart disease.

But the process of roasting, baking, and sautéing reduces the nutritional value of allicin in garlic. To gain the maximum benefit of allicin, try to consume garlic in raw form. Check the points to learn the top 10 benefits of eating raw garlic.

1. Medicinal attributes – From ancient days, garlic is used for its immensely helpful health benefits. When the garlic is chopped, chewed or crushed it excretes sulfur compounds that act as a medicine. You can treat common illnesses like cold and flu by eating raw garlic.
2. Maintain blood sugar level – Garlic can help you in managing blood sugar levels, be it diabetic or non-diabetic people. However, it is especially advantageous for diabetes type -2. It can be effective in reducing the fasting glucose level after a few months of eating garlic.
3. Improves immune system – Studies suggest that eating raw garlic helps in enhancing the immune system and reducing inflammation. The allicin and antioxidant properties are said to be the reason behind it.   
4. Maintain blood pressure and cholesterol – Eating a clove of raw garlic will help you in maintaining your blood pressure and also will reduce your cholesterol. As a result, your heart will be safe from attacks and strokes.
5. Safeguarding liver – Consuming garlic defends your liver against certain toxins. It helps the body in excreting toxins more efficiently. Also, it can support your liver from damage done by the long-time consumption of alcohol.
6. Maintains heart health – Garlic contains a component called diallyl trisulfide that protects diabetic people from cardiomyopathy. They are prone to suffer from cardiomyopathy and diallyl trisulfide protects the heart from damage and reduces the significant risk.
7. Good for brain health – Garlic carries several vitamins and minerals like potassium, iron, copper vitamin c, vitamin B6, selenium, and magnesium that boost the good functioning of your mind. It uplifts your mood and helps in memory.
8. Anti-inflammatory properties – A compound called allyl sulfide is present in garlic which helps in slowing down the growth of cancer cells in the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to protect the body against free radicals.
9. Slows the process of osteoporosis – Although more research is needed to claim this, early studies have shown that garlic reduces the risk of osteoporosis. The condition more prone to women while aging, can be slowed down if consumed garlic, especially at the time of entering menopause.
10. Good for the skin – By eating garlic, you can solve many skin-related problems with ease. It has antibacterial and antifungal assets that help in reducing acne and inducing your skin with nutrients in a better way.

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Drawbacks of eating raw garlic

As beneficial as eating raw garlic is, it undoubtedly has some drawbacks. There are a few side effects of consuming a raw clove that should be known to save yourself from sudden distress. Look at the below-mentioned potential drawbacks of eating raw garlic clove.

1. Physical effects – In some cases, people experience heartburn, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, gas, and a burning sensation in the mouth or chest after consuming a raw garlic clove. Some people may suffer digestive issues like stomach irritation or burning.
2. Effect on body odor – If you consume raw garlic in more quantity – three to four cloves a day – then it can affect your body odor. Don’t eat it in much quantity.
3. Rash or allergies – Rashes may appear if you have sensitive skin. It is advised to wear gloves while chopping garlic. Some people are allergic to garlic. So, keep track of your body and consult a doctor immediately if notice any rash.
4. Reacts with medications – Raw garlic can react with certain medications. So, if you are on medications, consult your doctor before including raw garlic in your diet.

If you cannot eat a raw garlic clove then you can consume it by adding it to your cooking. You can gain benefits from garlic by eating it in other forms.

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How much raw garlic should you consume a day?

There are several benefits of eating raw garlic. However, anything in excess quantity can have an adverse effect. Eating raw garlic in more quantity will not show any early results and in return will only be harmful.

According to nutrition and research papers, one to two cloves of raw garlic per day is enough to show its magic. A maximum of two garlic cloves should be consumed each day. If notice any negative effects, reduce your raw garlic intake or consult a doctor. Switch to cooked garlic if swallowing it in raw form becomes difficult.

Garlic is a gift from nature that carries several properties including antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antiseptic, and antibiotics. You can consume garlic in roasted, sautéed, or baked form but the benefits of eating raw garlic give the most advantages. Eating in raw form will surely give you a stinky smell but in return, it provides dozens of benefits. It overall profits your body. Gradually, start intaking a clove of raw garlic and notice the benefits of eating raw garlic yourself.